PCB BALLASTS RECYCLING
According to the United States EPA, the primary concern regarding the disposal of used fluorescent ballasts is the health risks associated with polychlorinated biphenyl's (PCBs).
It has been proven that human exposure to these possible carcinogens can cause skin, liver, and reproductive disorders. Fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) ballasts contain a small capacitor that may contain high concentrations of PCB. It is essential that proper methods of disposal be followed, due to the widespread use of PCBs during the 1970's in ballasts, capacitors, switches, and voltage regulators. PCB ballasts are regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Generators of PCB containing ballasts could incur superfund liability for improperly disposing of PCB ballasts in a dumpster or landfill.
ABOUT THE MEGA RULE
The Environmental Protection Agency's recent PCB MEGA RULE is the final amendment to the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). The MEGA RULE outlines two possible options concerning the potting material that is used as an insulator in the ballasts. The first option is that the material be incinerated. The second option is that a survey is conducted on the manufacturer and the type of ballasts, and then a random sampling plan must be developed for each manufacturer and type. After completion of the survey, the samples must then be analyzed for PCB content.
HOW IS THE BALLAST RECYCLED?
Using a special machine to break-apart the ballasts, the dismantling process separates all of the different components. 80% of the ballast is reclaimed and recycled. The remaining 20% which is the capacitor and potting material are both incinerated. This process eliminates all legal liabilities, and upon the completion of this process, Patriot Lamp Recycling will issue the generator a certificate of recycling.
MY BALLASTS ARE NON-PCB; CAN THEY BE THROWN INTO THE TRASH?
The answer is NO. Beginning in 1979 manufacturers began using di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a replacement to polychlorinated biphenyl's (PCBs). DEHP is listed as a hazardous substance under the EPA's Superfund regulations. Generators discarding of light ballasts should take the same precautions with their DEHP ballasts as they do with their PCB ballasts to avoid any future liabilities. Furthermore, Electronic and Magnetic Ballasts contain circuit boards, which are known to contain various hazardous materials as well.
It has been proven that human exposure to these possible carcinogens can cause skin, liver, and reproductive disorders. Fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) ballasts contain a small capacitor that may contain high concentrations of PCB. It is essential that proper methods of disposal be followed, due to the widespread use of PCBs during the 1970's in ballasts, capacitors, switches, and voltage regulators. PCB ballasts are regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Generators of PCB containing ballasts could incur superfund liability for improperly disposing of PCB ballasts in a dumpster or landfill.
ABOUT THE MEGA RULE
The Environmental Protection Agency's recent PCB MEGA RULE is the final amendment to the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). The MEGA RULE outlines two possible options concerning the potting material that is used as an insulator in the ballasts. The first option is that the material be incinerated. The second option is that a survey is conducted on the manufacturer and the type of ballasts, and then a random sampling plan must be developed for each manufacturer and type. After completion of the survey, the samples must then be analyzed for PCB content.
HOW IS THE BALLAST RECYCLED?
Using a special machine to break-apart the ballasts, the dismantling process separates all of the different components. 80% of the ballast is reclaimed and recycled. The remaining 20% which is the capacitor and potting material are both incinerated. This process eliminates all legal liabilities, and upon the completion of this process, Patriot Lamp Recycling will issue the generator a certificate of recycling.
MY BALLASTS ARE NON-PCB; CAN THEY BE THROWN INTO THE TRASH?
The answer is NO. Beginning in 1979 manufacturers began using di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a replacement to polychlorinated biphenyl's (PCBs). DEHP is listed as a hazardous substance under the EPA's Superfund regulations. Generators discarding of light ballasts should take the same precautions with their DEHP ballasts as they do with their PCB ballasts to avoid any future liabilities. Furthermore, Electronic and Magnetic Ballasts contain circuit boards, which are known to contain various hazardous materials as well.